Shocking School Sex Abuse Accusations

February 16, 2012

It's the shocking sex abuse scandal that's taken the nation by storm: Two former teachers at Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles stand accused of committing lewd acts against their students. According to investigators, hundreds of disturbing photographs have been seized, at least two dozen students, ages 7 to 10, have come forward and dozens more may have been victimized in crimes that are said to have gone undetected for years. Sixty-one-year-old third-grade teacher Mark Berndt is facing 23 counts
of lewd conduct against children and is being held on $23 million bail
for his alleged crimes, which include blindfolding, gagging and putting
cockroaches on and feeding them cookies laced with his semen. Since
his arrest, an additional claim has surfaced against teacher Martin Springer for allegedly fondling a second-grader. How could this happen? How was it concealed for so long? And, what warning signs were missed?

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A Stolen Trust?Nicole's daughter, Isabelle, was a student at Miramonte Elementary school. Through tears, Nicole shares how she believes her daughter was victimized by Mr. Berndt. Then, Brian Claypool, attorney for seven families involved in the case, explains when the allegations started and how they came to light.

The ExpertsCBS reporter Suraya Fadel, attorney and child advocate
Areva Martin and safe school advocate Barbara-Jane Paris weigh in on the scandal. Could more have been done? And, what safeguards are in place at our schools? Plus, learn how to protect your children from those who are supposed to protect them.